A moving and vibrantly funny story of young adulthood and young love, through an intoxicating mix of romantic entanglements with friends and classmates; a decade-spanning epic and extraordinary portrait of a life lived through art. A film by Joanna Hogg, starring Honor Swinton Byrne, Richard Ayoade, Joe Alwyn, Harris Dickinson, and Tilda Swinton.

The SOUVENIR Part II, a continuation of the first film, follows Julie (Honor Swinton Byrne) as she grieves the fatal overdose of her lover, Anthony. She returns home to stay temporarily with her parents, William (James Spencer Ashworth) and Rosalind (Tilda Swinton).

Seeking to learn more about Anthony’s life, Julie visits his parents, James (James Dodds) and Barbara (Barbara Peirson), returning some of his belongings. However, she is disappointed to find that even they know very little about their son’s personal life.

Julie wants to change the subject of her graduation film project from a boy who lives in Sunderland to a film that is inspired by her life and Anthony, but she faces difficulties when the film school board does not approve her new project, citing the lack of clear narrative and improperly-formatted script, as they do not feel the strong connection of her characters and her real life. They rule that her new project does not conform with film school principles and regulations, and if she wishes to move forward with it, the film school will not support her, which means she must handle everything on her own.

Despite the film school’s rejection, Julie resolves to make her film without their support. She borrows 10,000 pounds from her mother, promising to repay her when she can. Meanwhile, she continues to delve into Anthony’s life and psyche, seeking a deeper understanding of the man who inspires her protagonist.

Julie probes Rosalind for her insights into Anthony and information about their last meeting. She visits his drug-addicted friends to gather more details about his life, but none of them can provide a clear account. It is as if they are attempting to avoid the ugly truth about Anthony, which is arguably the most crucial element for her screenplay’s conclusion. Her nondescript and directionless sceenplay also makes it difficult for her cast and crew to understand her vision. Even Pete (Harris Dickinson), who plays Anthony, senses that Julie is trying to mold Anthony into the character she needs him to be, rather than who he truly was.

Julie’s epiphany arrives when she encounters Patrick (Richard Ayoade), the only man who dares to confront her with the truth about Anthony, the reality she has chosen to ignore.

The SOUVENIR Part II is a masterful sequel that surpasses its predecessor. The filmmaker’s innovative use of camerawork, framing shots at angles that evoke a sense of immediacy and intimacy, captures these moments with breathtaking authenticity. Their unique storytelling style captivates, even without the enigmatic presence of Tom Burke.

The film-within-a-film format is accompanied by an incredible selection of songs that are not only beautiful, but also narratively significant. The ending is truly mesmerizing, leaving a lasting impression.

The SOUVENIR Part II premiered at Festival de Cannes on 8 July 2021. The film was theatrically released in the United States on 29 October, by A24, and was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on 4 February 2022, by Picturehouse Entertainment.